JP2004130146A - Program execution system, program execution device, recording medium and program as well as method for switching viewpoint and method for switching aim - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make users possible to know sensuously the direction of a viewpoint or an aim that users want to switch by their operation, even if it is a game to knock an opponent down, for example. <P>SOLUTION: The execution system has an aim/viewpoint selecting means 302 that determines whether an operation input by a user is requesting a viewpoint switching or an aim switching, a viewpoint switching means 304 that executes a viewpoint switching program when a result determined by the aim/viewpoint selecting means 302 is requesting the viewpoint switching, and an aim switching means 306 that executes an aim switching program when a result determined by the aim/viewpoint selecting means 302 is requesting the aim switching. The system has also an image display means 308 that outputs to a monitor 18 image data drawn in an image memory (RAM) 405 after being processed by the viewpoint switching means 304 or the aim switching means 306. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

The present invention relates to a program execution system having at least one operation device that is connected to a program execution device that executes various programs and inputs an operation request by a user to the program execution device, the program execution device, and the program execution The present invention relates to a recording medium on which a program and data used in the system are recorded, the program itself, a method for switching viewpoints, and a method for switching aiming.

As an information device such as a program execution system including a video game machine, for example, the game content stored in a recording medium such as a CD-ROM is displayed on the screen of the television receiver, and the game is operated by the operation device. There is an entertainment system to advance.

The program execution device and the operation device in this entertainment system are usually connected by a serial interface, and when a clock is sent from the program execution device, a key corresponding to a user operation from the operation device in synchronization with the clock. Switch information etc. are sent.

Further, recently, a vibration generating means that vibrates the user in response to a request from the outside (for example, a program execution device) is provided in the operation device so as to respond to the user's operation while the game is in progress, for example. In addition, a system that gives various vibrations to the user has been developed and put to practical use.

By the way, for example, when the viewpoint is switched or the virtual aim is moved by using the operation device, the direction key called a cross key is usually operated. The operation in the direction determined by the key, such as the upper and lower directions, is easy, but the operation tends to be difficult in the middle direction such as the upper left direction and the lower right direction.

Furthermore, since the angle cannot be freely changed, for example, in the diagonally upper left direction, the viewpoint can be changed in a simple direction. For example, in game shooting and adventure games, the game is developed. There is a problem that becomes simple and tired.

The present invention makes it possible to sensuously grasp the direction in which the viewpoint and / or aim is to be switched when operating the operation device. It is an object of the present invention to provide a program execution system, a program execution device, a recording medium and a program that can be enjoyed, a method for switching viewpoints, and a method for switching aiming.

A program execution system according to the present invention includes a program execution device that executes various programs, at least one operation device that causes a user to input an operation request as an operation instruction, and an output from the program execution device. In a program execution system having a display device for displaying an image, an operation instruction from a user to the first and second left direction buttons and the first and second right direction buttons provided in the operation device And a display switching unit for switching the viewpoint in the switching direction determined by the determination unit, based on a combination of output information output from the operation device in response to the determination unit. Means.

The program execution device according to the present invention is a program execution device in which at least an operation device that outputs an operation request by a user as an operation instruction and a display device for displaying an image can be connected. Based on a combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user with respect to the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons. The display device further includes a determination unit that determines a switching direction of the viewpoint, and a display switching unit that switches the viewpoint in the switching direction determined by the determination unit.

A recording medium according to the present invention is output from a program execution device that executes various programs, at least one operation device that causes a user to input an operation request as an operation instruction, and the program execution device. In a recording medium on which a program and data used in a program execution system having a display device for displaying an image is recorded, the program is provided with first and second left-pointing buttons provided on the operation device. And a determination step of determining a viewpoint switching direction in the display device based on a combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user with respect to the first and second right direction instruction buttons. , A display switching step for switching the viewpoint in the switching direction determined in the determination step Characterized in that it has a.

The program according to the present invention displays a program execution device for executing various programs, at least one operation device for inputting an operation request by a user to the program execution device, and an image output from the program execution device. In a program used in a program execution system having a display device, a first and second left direction button and a first and second right direction button provided on the operating device from a user. Based on a combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction, a determination step of determining a viewpoint switching direction in the display device, and switching the viewpoint in the switching direction determined in the determination step And a display switching step.

Thus, for example, when it is desired to switch the viewpoint to the left, among the four buttons, two buttons arranged on the left side for indicating the horizontal direction are used. Then, through the determination means, a switching direction for switching the viewpoint in the display device is determined based on a combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from a user, and subsequently, display switching Through the means, the viewpoint is switched in the determined switching direction.

In this case, the output information includes data including ON / OFF components of the buttons, and a direction component corresponding to the buttons is assigned. The output information corresponds to the combination of the components. A switching direction discriminating means for discriminating the switching direction may be provided.

For example, when the viewpoint is switched to the left using the cross key, the left direction key is operated.However, when the viewpoint is switched to the upper left or the lower left, the upper key or It is necessary to operate the down key at the same time. In other words, it is necessary to operate a key that is not directly related to the left direction, and it is possible for a person who operates the operating device for the first time or a person who plays a video game for the first time to grasp the direction in which the viewpoint is switched. There is a problem that you can not.

On the other hand, in the present invention, for example, when it is desired to switch the viewpoint to the left, two buttons arranged for the horizontal direction instruction on the left may be operated simultaneously. Further, by operating either one of the two buttons, the viewpoint is switched diagonally upward left or diagonally downward left.

Also, for example, when it is desired to switch the viewpoint upward, the two buttons arranged for the vertical direction instruction on the upper side may be operated simultaneously. In this case as well, by operating either one of the two buttons, the viewpoint is switched diagonally upward left or diagonally upward right.

As described above, in the present invention, when switching the viewpoint to the left, it is only necessary to operate the buttons arranged on the left side, and when switching the viewpoint upward, it is only necessary to operate the buttons aligned on the upper side. The direction in which the user wants to switch can be sensibly grasped, and the person who operates the operation device for the first time or the person who plays the video game for the first time can easily switch the viewpoint. You can enjoy the game development that never gets tired.

Further, the output information is data including a magnitude component corresponding to a force of the user pressing the buttons, and a directional component corresponding to the buttons, and is assigned to the determination unit. You may make it have a switching direction calculating means which calculates the said switching direction by the vector calculation based on the said direction component and a magnitude | size component. As a result, for example, assuming that the viewpoint is switched to the left, the left diagonally upper or diagonally lower left angle can be freely set in addition to the left by the magnitude component. That is, the viewpoint switching direction can be freely set, and smooth viewpoint switching can be realized.

Note that a moving speed calculation means for obtaining the moving speed of the viewpoint based on the magnitude component may be provided in the determination means. Usually, it is conceivable to switch the viewpoint at a constant speed, but when you want to switch the viewpoint quickly, such as in shooting games and adventure games, a dilemma occurs and the impression that the operability is poor for the user. There is a risk of giving.

However, since the viewpoint can be switched rapidly by changing the moving speed of the viewpoint based on the magnitude component, even in the above-described shooting game, adventure game, etc. Recognition that the operability is good and can contribute to the spread of video games and the like.

By the way, the buttons may be provided on the front surface of the operating device. In this case, the buttons are arranged at left and right positions in the front portion of the operating device that can be pressed by fingers of the user's left and right hands, and the output information corresponding to the buttons is the buttons. Alternatively, left and right direction components corresponding to the left and right arrangement positions may be assigned, and the switching direction may be obtained based on the left and right direction components.

In addition, two buttons are arranged so as to be arranged vertically on the left and right positions of the front surface of the operating device that can be pressed by fingers of the user's left and right hands. As the corresponding output information, an up / down / left / right direction component corresponding to an up / down / left / right arrangement position of each button may be assigned, and the switching direction may be obtained based on the up / down / left / right direction component.

Thereby, the viewpoint switching direction on the screen of the display device and the position of the button to be operated correspond to each other, and it is possible to intuitively recognize in which direction the viewpoint is switched, for example, flight simulation. Even in video games where the sense of direction is difficult to recognize, you can easily recognize the switching direction of the viewpoint, and you can easily enjoy even flight simulation that is generally difficult to operate, It leads to the spread of various video games.

Next, a program execution system according to the present invention includes a program execution device that executes various programs, at least one operation device that causes a user to input an operation request as an operation instruction, and the program execution device. In a program execution system having a display device for displaying an output image, from a user for the first and second left direction buttons and the first and second right direction buttons provided in the operation device Based on a combination of output information output from the operating device in response to the operation instruction, a determining means for determining a switching direction of the virtual aim in the display device, and the switching direction determined by the determining means in the switching direction And display switching means for switching a virtual aim.

The program execution device according to the present invention is a program execution device in which at least an operation device that outputs an operation request by a user as an operation instruction and a display device for displaying an image can be connected. Based on a combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user with respect to the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons. The display device includes a determining unit that determines a switching direction of the virtual aim in the display device, and a display switching unit that switches the virtual aim in the switching direction determined by the determining unit.

A recording medium according to the present invention is output from a program execution device that executes various programs, at least one operation device that causes a user to input an operation request as an operation instruction, and the program execution device. In a recording medium on which a program and data used in a program execution system having a display device for displaying an image is recorded, the program is provided with first and second left-pointing buttons provided on the operation device. And a discrimination for discriminating a switching direction of the virtual aim in the display device based on a combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user with respect to the first and second right direction instruction buttons. Step and a display for switching the virtual aim in the switching direction determined in the determination step And having a conversion step.

The program according to the present invention is output from a program execution device that executes various programs, at least one operation device that causes a user to input an operation request as an operation instruction, and the program execution device. In a program used in a program execution system having a display device for displaying an image, the program is used for first and second left direction buttons and first and second right direction buttons provided in the operation device. A determination step of determining a sighting switching direction in the display device based on a combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from a person, and the switching direction determined in the determination step in the switching direction And a display switching step for switching the aim.

Thus, in the present invention, when switching the virtual aiming to the left, it is only necessary to operate the buttons arranged on the left side, and when switching the virtual aiming upwards, it is necessary to operate the buttons aligned on the upper side. Well, it is possible to grasp the direction to switch the virtual aim sensuously, and even the first person who operates the operation device or the first video game player can easily switch the virtual aim, When applied to a video game or the like, it is possible to enjoy a game development that never gets tired.

The output information includes data including ON / OFF components of the buttons, and a direction component corresponding to the buttons is assigned to the determination unit according to the combination of the components. A switching direction discriminating means for discriminating the switching direction may be provided.

Further, the output information is data including a magnitude component corresponding to a force of the user pressing the buttons, and a directional component corresponding to the buttons, and is assigned to the determination unit. You may make it have a switching direction calculating means which calculates the said switching direction by the vector calculation based on the said direction component and a magnitude | size component. In this case, the determination means may be provided with a movement speed calculation means for obtaining a movement speed of the virtual aim based on the magnitude component.

By the way, the buttons may be provided on the front surface of the operating device. In this case, the buttons are arranged at left and right positions in the front portion of the operating device that can be pressed by fingers of the user's left and right hands, and the output information corresponding to the buttons is the buttons. Alternatively, left and right direction components corresponding to the left and right arrangement positions may be assigned, and the switching direction may be obtained based on the left and right direction components.

In addition, two buttons are arranged so as to be arranged vertically on the left and right positions of the front surface of the operating device that can be pressed by fingers of the user's left and right hands. As the corresponding output information, an up / down / left / right direction component corresponding to an up / down / left / right arrangement position of each button may be assigned, and the switching direction may be obtained based on the up / down / left / right direction component.

As a result, the switching direction of the virtual aim on the screen of the display device and the position of the button to be operated correspond to each other, and it is possible to intuitively recognize in which direction the virtual aim is switched. For example, even in video games where it is difficult to recognize the sense of direction, such as shooting in outer space, it is possible to easily recognize the direction of switching the virtual aim, making it easy to perform shooting games that require skill. I can enjoy it.

Next, a viewpoint switching method according to the present invention is a method of switching a viewpoint on a display device in response to a user operation request input to the operation device. Output information including a direction component corresponding to the position of each button, which is output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user with respect to the left direction instruction button and the first and second right direction instruction buttons. A determination step of determining a viewpoint switching direction in the display device based on a combination of the direction components, and a display switching step of switching the viewpoint in the switching direction determined in the determination step. It is characterized by that.

Thus, in the present invention, when switching the virtual viewpoint to the left, it is only necessary to operate the buttons arranged on the left side, and when switching the virtual viewpoint to the upper side, it is necessary to operate the buttons aligned on the upper side. Well, it is possible to grasp the direction to switch the virtual viewpoint sensuously, the person who operates the operating device for the first time and the person who plays the video game for the first time can easily switch the virtual viewpoint, shooting game When applied to a video game or the like, it is possible to enjoy a game development that never gets tired.

Further, the method for switching the aim according to the present invention is a method for switching the aim on the display device in response to a user operation request input to the operation device. In response to an operation instruction from the user for the left direction instruction button and the first and second right direction instruction buttons, output information including direction components corresponding to the positions of the buttons is output. A determination step for determining a sighting switching direction in the display device based on a combination of the directional components, and a display switching step for switching the sighting in the switching direction determined in the determination step. It is characterized by.

Thus, in the present invention, when switching the virtual aiming to the left, it is only necessary to operate the buttons arranged on the left side, and when switching the virtual aiming upwards, it is necessary to operate the buttons aligned on the upper side. Well, it is possible to grasp the direction to switch the virtual aim sensuously, and even the first person who operates the operation device or the first video game player can easily switch the virtual aim, When applied to a video game or the like, it is possible to enjoy a game development that never gets tired.

As described above, according to the program execution system, the program execution device, the recording medium and the program, and the method for switching the viewpoint and the method for switching the aim according to the present invention, the viewpoint and / or the aim is switched during the operation. It is possible to sensuously grasp the direction, and for example, operability in a shooting game can be improved.

Embodiments in which a program execution system, a program execution device, a recording medium and a program, and a method for switching viewpoints and a method for switching aiming are applied to an entertainment system for playing video games and the like are described below with reference to FIGS. Will be described with reference to FIG.

First, an entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment includes an entertainment device 12 having a function of executing various programs and the like, and a card-type external storage device (external memory) that is detachable from the entertainment device 12. A certain memory card 14, an operation device (controller) 16 that is attachable to and detachable from the entertainment device 12 by a connector 15 and instructs an operation request by a user (player or user) to the entertainment device 12 as an external input, and entertainment It is basically composed of a monitor (display) 18 that is a display device such as a television receiver that is supplied with video / audio signals output from the device 12 and displays video and outputs audio.

This entertainment apparatus 12 has a shape in which flat rectangular parallelepipeds are stacked, and a disk tray 22 that moves forward and backward as a disk mounting portion on which an optical disk 20 that is a recording medium for program data is mounted on the front panel. A reset switch 24 for arbitrarily resetting a program currently being executed, an open button 26 for pulling out the disk tray 22, two insertion ports 30 of the memory card 14, and a connector 15 of the controller 16 In the figure, two controller terminals 32 and the like are inserted, and on the back side are a power switch 28, video and audio output terminals, and are connected to the monitor 18 via an AV (audio visual) cable. There are no AV multi-output terminals or the like.

The entertainment device 12 reads the program from the optical disc 20 which is a recording medium such as a CDROM or DVDROM in which a computer game (video game) program or data is recorded, and executes the program to display characters and scenes on the monitor 18. In addition to the control function to be performed, various control functions such as movie playback using a DVD (digital video disk) which is another optical disc 20 and music playback using a compact disk digital audio (CDDA) are incorporated. It also has a function of executing a program obtained by communication via a communication network or the like. During the execution of the game program, the three-dimensional computer graphics image generated by the entertainment device 12 is displayed on the monitor 18 as a display device.

In this case, the signal from the controller 16 is also processed by one of the control functions of the entertainment device 12, and the content is reflected on the screen of the monitor 18, for example, on the character movement, character switching, scene switching, etc. It has become so.

The controller 16 is provided with first and second operation units 51 and 52 on the center left and right of the upper surface, third and fourth operation units 53 and 54 on the side surface, and analog operation on the front left and right of the upper surface. A left stick 70 and a right stick 72, each of which is a joystick, are provided.

Although not shown in the drawing, the left and right sticks 70 and 72 are configured such that a vibration motor is disposed in the drive unit, and vibration is applied to the left and right sticks 70 and 72 according to instructions of the program.

The first operation unit 51 is a pressing operation unit for giving an action to a character or the like displayed on the screen of the monitor 18, for example. The function is set by a program or the like recorded on the optical disc 20, and the character or the like is selected. It is composed of four operation keys (also referred to as direction keys) 51a, 51b, 51c, 51d having a function of moving up, down, left and right. The direction key 51a is also referred to as an up key, the direction key 51b as a down key, the direction key 51c as a left key, and the direction key 51d as a right key.

The second operation unit 52 has four operation buttons 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d in a columnar shape for pressing operation, and “△” and “ The identification marks “O”, “X”, and “□” are attached, and the operation buttons 52a to 52d are also referred to as a Δ button 52a, a ○ button 52b, an X button 52c, and a □ button 52d, respectively.

The functions of the operation buttons 52a to 52d of the second operation unit 52 are set by a program or the like recorded on the optical disc 20, and for example, a left arm, a right arm, a left foot, a right foot of a character or the like is set to each operation button 52a to 52d. The function to move is assigned.

The third and fourth operation units 53 and 54 have substantially the same structure, and two operation buttons (also referred to as L1 button or first left direction instruction button) 53a for pressing operation, both of which are arranged vertically. Operation button (also referred to as L2 button or second left direction button) 53b, operation button (also referred to as R1 button or first right direction button) 54a, operation button (R2 button or second right direction) Also referred to as an instruction button.) 54b. The functions of the third and fourth operation units 53 and 54 are also set by a program recorded on the optical disc 20, and for example, a function for causing a character to perform a special action and a function for changing a character are assigned.

The left stick 70 and the right stick 72 each include a signal input element such as a variable resistor that can be rotated in a 360 ° direction around the operation axis. The left and right sticks 70 and 72 are returned to the neutral position by an elastic member (not shown). In this neutral position, the left and right sticks 70 and 72 have functions of operation buttons (L3 button 70a and R3 button 72a) as fifth and sixth operation units for pressing operation, respectively.

By rotating the left and right sticks 70 and 72, for example, it is possible to perform an analog movement such as moving a character or the like while rotating it, or moving it while changing the speed, and changing the state. A command signal can be input. In this embodiment, by operating the left stick 70, the character can be moved in the direction of the arrow cursor, as will be described later.

Direction keys 51a to 51d constituting the first operation unit 51, operation buttons 52a to 52d constituting the second operation unit 52, and L1 and L2 buttons 53a and 53b constituting the third and fourth operation units 53 and 54. , R1 and R2 buttons 54a and 54b, and the operation buttons 70a and 72a constituting the fifth and sixth operation units (represented by the operator 102) are shown on the back surfaces of FIGS. 2 and 3, respectively. In this way, a conductive member 106 having elasticity formed in a mountain shape with the center at the top is attached via an insulating elastic body 104, and a voltage source Vcc is connected to one end at a position facing each conductive member 106. The resistor 110 is connected to each other and the other end is connected to the fixed resistor 108. The resistor 110 is disposed on the insulating substrate 112, and the other end of the fixed resistor 108 is grounded.

In this case, when the direction keys 51a to 51d, the operation buttons 52a to 52d, the L1 and L2 buttons 53a and 53b, the R1 and the R2 buttons 54a and 54b, and the operation buttons 70a and 70b (the operation element 102) are pressed, they face each other. The conductive member 106 comes into contact with the resistor 110 to be changed, and the resistance value of the resistor 110 apparently changes corresponding to the contact area with the conductive member 106 according to the pressing force. The divided voltage value (analog signal) Va of 108 changes and is used as a signal input to the A / D converter 114.

Thus, the pressure sensitive element is configured by the conductive member 106 and the resistor 110, and the electrical resistance value of the pressure sensitive element changes according to the pressing force received from the operation element 102. 2 shows the operation of the pressure-sensitive element as an element that outputs a signal output proportional to the pressing force, and FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the main part of the controller 16.

As shown in FIG. 3, the controller 16 has an MPU (micro processor unit) 118 as a control means, and a CPU 120 as a control means, a ROM 122 and a RAM 124 connected to each other in the MPU 118. ing. The MPU 118 also includes a switch 126 whose operation is controlled by the CPU 120 and an A / D converter 114. An analog signal (divided voltage value) Va output from the output terminal of the resistor 110 is input to the A / D converter 114 and converted into a digital signal Vd.

The digital signal Vd output from the A / D conversion unit 114 is sent to the entertainment device 12 via the interface 128 provided on the internal board of the controller 16, and for example, an action of a game character is executed by the digital signal Vd. Let

The level change of the analog signal Va output from the output terminal of the resistor 110 corresponds to the change of the pressing force received from the operation element 102 as described above. The digital signal Vd output from the A / D conversion unit 114 corresponds to the pressing force of the operation element 102 by the user. If the game character's motion is controlled by a digital signal having such a relationship with the user's pressing operation, an analog smooth motion is realized as compared with the control by the binary digital signal of “1” or “0”. It becomes possible to do.

Here, the controller 16 is configured to control the switch 126 via the interface 128 by a control signal sent from the entertainment device 12 based on a program recorded on the optical disc 20. That is, when the program recorded on the optical disc 20 is executed from the entertainment device 12, the A / D conversion unit 114 performs a multi-valued digital signal that takes a value of 0 to 255, for example, according to the content of the program. A control signal designating whether to function as a means for outputting Vd or to function as a means for outputting a binarized on / off digital signal Vd having a value “0” and a value “1” is output. Based on this control signal, the switch 126 selects and switches the function (binary output or multi-value output) of the A / D converter 114. Therefore, whether to use binary output or multi-value output is determined by the program.

In FIG. 1, the left and right sticks 70 and 72 can be used by switching to the first and second operation units 51 and 52. The switching is performed by an analog mode switch 74. When the left and right sticks 70 and 72 are selected by the analog mode switch 74, the display unit 76 is turned on to display the selection state of the left and right sticks 70 and 72.

In addition to the above, the controller 16 is provided with a start button (start switch) 78 for instructing the start of the game and the like, a select button (selection switch) 80 for selecting the difficulty level of the game at the start of the game, and the like. Yes.

Next, the internal configuration of the entertainment system 10 shown in FIG. 1 and its general operation will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG.

A RAM 402 as a semiconductor memory and a bus 403 are connected to a CPU 401 as an execution unit (execution means) that is a computer. In this case, the RAM 402 also functions as a storage unit that sequentially stores a program including data recorded on the optical disc 20, and the CPU 401 is an execution unit that executes a program in the RAM 402 (optical disc 20) as the storage unit. Also works.

A graphic synthesizer (GS) 404 and an input output processor (IOP) 409 are connected to the bus 403, respectively. The GS 404 includes a RAM 405 including a frame buffer, a Z buffer, a texture memory, and the like, and a rendering engine 406 having a rendering function including a drawing function for the frame buffer in the RAM 405.

The monitor 18 as an external device is connected to the GS 404 configured in this way through an encoder 407 for converting, for example, a digital RGB signal into the NTSC standard television system.

The IOP 409 includes a driver (DRV) 410 for reproducing and decoding data recorded on the optical disc 20, a sound processor (SP) 412, a memory card 14 as an external memory including a flash memory, a controller 16, and an operating Each of the recorded ROMs 416 such as a system is connected. The SP 412 is connected to a speaker 414 and a monitor 18 as external devices via an amplifier 413, and supplies an audio signal.

Here, the memory card 14 is a card-type external storage device including, for example, a CPU or a gate array and a flash memory, and is detachable from the entertainment device 12 shown in FIG. It has become. The memory card 14 stores a state in the middle of the game, a DVD playback program, and the like.

The controller 16 is for giving a command (binary command or multi-value command) to the entertainment device 12 by pressing a plurality of buttons mounted on the controller 16. The driver 410 includes a decoder for decoding an image encoded based on the MPEG (moving picture experts group) standard.

Next, how the image is displayed on the monitor 18 by the operation of the controller 16 will be schematically described.

As a premise, object data including polygon vertex data and texture data recorded on the optical disc 20 and data on the world coordinate WC of the object data are read via the driver 410 and stored in the RAM 402 of the CPU 401. It shall be.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a state in which the objects OB1 and OB2 based on the object data are arranged on the three-dimensional world coordinate WC of the three axes orthogonal to the XYZ axis of the world coordinate origin WO.

When an instruction for character selection / change (character change), which will be described later, is input to the entertainment device 12 via the controller 16, the CPU 401, based on the instruction, determines the VUN axis of the camera coordinate origin CO. The position of the object on the three-dimensional camera coordinates CC with three orthogonal axes and the direction with respect to the viewpoint are calculated. The camera coordinate origin CO of the camera coordinates CC is set, for example, at the center of the screen described later. As a result, the polygon vertex data of the object defined by the coordinate values of the three orthogonal axes X, Y, and Z are changed to the camera coordinates CC, respectively.

Next, as schematically shown by one line with an arrow in FIG. 6, the polygon vertex data P (x, y, z) after the change to the camera coordinates CC is screened by a perspective transformation process based on the viewpoint VP. It is converted into two-dimensional coordinate data Q (x ′, y ′) on the screen SP defined by the screen coordinates SC of the coordinate origin SO (for example, the upper left point of the screen SP).

The converted two-dimensional XY coordinate data, Z data, and texture data are supplied to the GS 404. The GS 404 performs rendering based on the converted two-dimensional XY coordinate data and Z data, and sequentially writes (draws) the texture data on the RAM 405 (in this case, the frame buffer) as a memory. Do. The texture data to be drawn is supplied to the monitor 18 after the image for one frame completed by this drawing process is encoded by the encoder 407, and the three-dimensional image or two-dimensional image is displayed on the screen (screen). Is displayed.

Next, characteristic functions of the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 18.

The functions of the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment are a viewpoint switching processing function and an aim switching processing function.

The viewpoint switching processing function switches the viewpoint on the monitor 18 in a direction corresponding to a user operation input (an operation instruction input through the operation device 16) to the L1 button 53a and the L2 button 53b and the R1 button 54a and the R2 button 54b. Is.

On the other hand, the aim switching processing function switches the aim to be displayed on the monitor 18 in a direction corresponding to the user's operation input to the L1 button 53a and L2 button 53b and the R1 button 54a and R2 button 54b.

That is, the viewpoint switching processing function and the aim switching processing function set the switching (moving) direction of a predetermined point on the monitor 18 in accordance with the operation input to the L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b. To do.

Hereinafter, some specific examples of the viewpoint switching processing function and the aim switching processing function will be described. First, the first viewpoint switching processing function and the first aim switching processing function cause the L1 button 53a and the L2 button 53b and the R1 button 54a and the R2 button 54b to function as direction-indicating buttons, and the switch in FIG. Through 126, the A / D converter 114 is caused to function as a means for outputting a binarized on / off digital signal Vd having a value “0” and a value “1”. That is, when the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b are pressed, for example, the value “1” is output from the A / D conversion unit 114, and when the buttons are not pressed, the value “0” is output. Is done.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the first viewpoint switching processing function is performed by using a background object or a target object (a virtual missile launch base 208 or a virtual enemy tank described later) displayed on the screen 200 of the monitor 18. The viewpoint of the user on the screen 200 is switched by moving the display position such as 210). The user's viewpoint is, for example, a viewpoint (a viewpoint of a pilot or the like) viewed from an object operated by the user (in the example of FIGS. 7A and 7B, a virtual tank 202).

In this case, the viewpoint switching direction corresponding to the combination of the L1 button 53a and the L2 button 53b and the R1 button 54a and the R2 button 54b is determined as in the example shown in FIG. 8 (details will be described later).

For example, when the user simultaneously presses, for example, the R1 button 54a and the R2 button 54b from the state of FIG. 7A, the background object and the target object move to the left on the screen 200 as shown in FIG. 7B. That is, the user's viewpoint is switched from the position shown in FIG. 7A to the position in the right direction shown in FIG. 7B.

The up / down / left / right direction components are assigned to the L1 button 53a and L2 button 53b and the R1 button 54a and R2 button 54b in accordance with their vertical and horizontal arrangement positions (see FIG. 1). For example, L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b are assigned directional components in the upper left, lower left, upper right, and lower right with respect to the screen 200 of the monitor 18, respectively.

The output information output from the operating device 16 in response to the pressing operation on each of the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b is a binary value that includes ON / OFF components corresponding to the buttons. Information.

The viewpoint switching direction is obtained as a combination of direction components corresponding to the pressed L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b. Specifically, each of the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b functions independently as a button for instructing a predetermined direction (for example, an oblique direction) and has a predetermined combination. Each function as a button for instructing a predetermined direction (for example, vertical and horizontal directions).

As shown in FIG. 8, for example, when only the L1 button 53a is pressed, the viewpoint switches to the L1 direction (for example, the upper left 45 ° direction), and the L1 button 53a and the L2 button 53b are pressed simultaneously. , The viewpoint switches to the L1 + L2 direction (for example, the left direction). Similarly, when only the L2 button 53b is pressed, the L2 direction (for example, 45 ° in the lower left direction) is selected. When the L2 button 53b and the R2 button 54b are simultaneously pressed, the L2 + R2 direction (for example, the downward direction). In addition, when only the R2 button 54b is pressed, the R1 direction (for example, 45 ° lower right) is pressed, and when the R1 button 54a and the R2 button 54b are simultaneously pressed, the R1 + R2 direction (for example, right). In addition, when only the R1 button 54a is pressed, the direction is R1 (for example, 45 ° in the upper right), and when the L1 button 53a and the R1 button 54a are simultaneously pressed, the direction is L1 + R1 (for example, upward). The viewpoint will change.

In the viewpoint switching process, the position of the aim 206 of a virtual tank 202 described later does not move.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the first aim switching processing function launches a projectile such as a virtual shell 204 from a virtual tank 202 displayed on the screen 200, or The aim 206 is switched by moving the position of the aim 206 for irradiating light rays or the like.

The position of the aim 206 is determined on the screen 200 as shown in FIG. 9B by pressing the R1 button 54a, for example, and then pressing the R1 button 54a and the R2 button 54b. Switch to the upper right. Then, when the aim 206 is set to a target, for example, a virtual missile launch base 208, the cannonball 204 hits the missile launch base 208 by, for example, firing the cannonball 204 from the tank 202, and the missile launch base 208 is destroyed. The game will be played.

In this case, the switching direction of the aim 206 corresponding to the combination of the L1 button 53a and L2 button 53b and the R1 button 54a and R2 button 54b is the same as the example of the viewpoint switching processing function shown in FIG.

Next, software (first scene creation means 300) for realizing the first viewpoint switching processing function and the first aim switching processing function will be described with reference to FIG.

The first scene creation means 300 is provided to the entertainment system 10 by a random accessible recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a memory card 14 or a network. Here, the description will be made on the assumption that the optical device 20 such as a CD-ROM is read and operated by the entertainment device 12.

That is, the first scene creation means 300 is operated on the CPU 401 by being downloaded to the RAM 402 of the entertainment apparatus 12 through a predetermined process from a specific optical disk 20 that is reproduced in advance by the entertainment apparatus 12, for example. (See FIG. 4).

As shown in FIG. 10, the first scene creation unit 300 includes an aim / viewpoint selection unit 302 that determines whether an operation input from the user is a viewpoint switching instruction or an aim switching instruction, and an aim / viewpoint selection. Viewpoint switching processing means 304 that performs viewpoint switching processing when the determination result in means 302 is a viewpoint switching instruction, and aiming that performs aim switching processing when the determination result in aiming / viewpoint selection means 302 is an aim switching instruction The image data drawn in the RAM (image memory) 405 through the processing by the switching processing unit 306, the viewpoint switching processing unit 304 or the aim switching processing unit 306 is output to the monitor 18 and the image data is displayed on the screen of the monitor 18 And image display processing means 308 for displaying.

The viewpoint switching processing unit 304 includes a viewpoint switching direction determining unit 310 that determines a direction to switch the viewpoint based on a user operation input to the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b. 312 and viewpoint display switching means 314 that performs viewpoint switching processing in accordance with the switching direction determined by the viewpoint switching direction determination means 310.

The sight switching processing means 306 includes an sight switching direction determining means 316 that determines the direction in which the sight should be switched based on a user operation input to the L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b. 318 and aiming display switching means 320 for performing aiming switching processing in accordance with the switching direction determined by the aiming switching direction determination means 316.

Next, the processing operation of the first scene creation means 300 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

The first scene creation means 300 first applies to any of the L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b of the operating device 16 through the aim / viewpoint selection means 302 in step S11 of FIG. It is determined whether there is an operation input. If there is an operation input to these L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b, the process proceeds to step S12, and if there is no input, the process proceeds to step S17.

The operation device 16 temporarily stores only operation input information corresponding to a button or the like requested to be input from the entertainment device 12 in a buffer or the like, and then sends the operation input information as output information to the entertainment device 12. I am doing so.

Subsequently, in step S12, it is determined through the aim / viewpoint selection means 302 whether the operation input to the controller device 16 is a viewpoint switching instruction or an aim switching instruction. This determination is made, for example, according to whether or not there is an operation input to a button (for example, the x button 52c) to which the selection function of viewpoint switching / sighting switching is assigned in the operation device 16.

For example, when the x button 52c is pressed, it is determined that the viewpoint switching has been instructed, and the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, if the x button 52c has not been pressed, it is determined that an aim switching has been instructed, and the process proceeds to step S15.

In step S13, the viewpoint switching direction instructed as the operation input to the operating device 16 is determined through the viewpoint switching direction determining means 310 of the viewpoint determining means 312.

Specifically, first, in step S21 of FIG. 12, a combination of user operation inputs to the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b is determined.

For example, the combinations of user operation inputs are L1 button 53a only, L1 button 53a and L2 button 53b, L2 button 53b only, L2 button 53b and R2 button 54b, R2 button 54b only, R1 button 54a and R2 button 54b, R1. Only the button 54a, the L1 button 53a, the R1 button 54a, or any other input (combination) is determined.

If the combination is only the L1 button 53a, the process proceeds to step S22, and the viewpoint switching direction is set to the L1 direction (upper left direction) in FIG.

Similarly, in the case where the combination is the L1 button 53a and the L2 button 53b, in step S23, in the L1 + L2 direction (left direction) in FIG. 8, and in the case of only the L2 button 53b, in step S24, in the L2 direction in FIG. In the case of the L2 button 53b and the R2 button 54b (downward to the left), in step S25, in the L2 + R2 direction (downward) of FIG. 8, in the case of only the R2 button 54b, in step S26, the R2 of FIG. In the case of the R1 button 54a and the R2 button 54b in the direction (lower right direction), in step S27, in the R1 + R2 direction (right direction) of FIG. 8, in the case of only the R1 button 54a, in FIG. In the case of the L1 button 53a and the R1 button 54a in the R1 direction (upper right direction), the process proceeds to step S29. , The L1 + R1 direction (upward direction) in FIG. 8, switching direction of the viewpoint are set respectively.

Note that when the operation input is an input different from the above, the viewpoint switching direction may not be set.

Next, the process proceeds to step S14 in FIG. 11, and the viewpoint is switched in the switching direction set in step S13 (steps S22 to S29 in FIG. 12) through the viewpoint display switching means 314 (see FIGS. 7A and 7B).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the operation input is an aim switching instruction and the process proceeds to step S15, the same process as step S13 (steps S22 to S29 in FIG. 12) is performed through the aim switching direction determination means 316. ), The switching direction of the aim 206 is set.

Next, in step S16, the aim 206 is switched in the switching direction set in step S15 through the aim display switching means 320 (see FIGS. 9A and 9B).

Subsequent to step S14 or S16, the process proceeds to step S17, where it is determined whether or not there is a program end request (game over, power off, etc.) to the first scene creation means 300. If there is no program end request, the process returns to step S11, and the processes after step S11 are repeated. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is a program termination request, the processing in the first scene creation means 300 is terminated.

As described above, in the first viewpoint switching processing function or the first aim switching processing function operating in the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment, the L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons 53a pressed by the user, The viewpoint and / or aim on the screen 200 is switched in the switching direction corresponding to the combination of 53b, 54a, and 54b. The L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b are arranged in two rows and two columns on the front surface of the operating device 16 that can be pressed by fingers of the left and right hands of the user. Arranged in a form.

For this reason, the user can sensuously grasp the relationship between the pressing operation on the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b and the direction in which the viewpoint and / or aim on the screen 200 is switched. it can.

That is, when the viewpoint is switched to the left using the cross key, for example, the left direction key 51c is operated. However, when the viewpoint is switched to the upper left or the lower left, the left key 51c is used. It is necessary to operate the up direction key 51a or the down direction key 51b simultaneously. That is, it is necessary to operate a key that is not directly related to the left direction, and for a user who operates the operation device 16 for the first time or a user who plays a video game for the first time, the direction in which the viewpoint is to be switched is grasped sensuously. There is a problem that can not be.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, for example, when it is desired to switch the viewpoint to the left side, the L1 button 53a and the L2 button 53b that function as horizontal direction buttons on the left side may be operated simultaneously. Further, by operating either the button L1 button 53a or the L2 button 53b, the viewpoint is switched diagonally upward left or diagonally downward left.

Further, for example, when it is desired to switch the viewpoint upward, the L1 button 53a and the R1 button 54a that function as the vertical direction buttons on the upper side may be operated simultaneously. Also in this case, by operating either one of the buttons L1 button 53a or R1 button 54a, the viewpoint is switched diagonally upward left or diagonally upward right.

Thus, in this embodiment, when switching the viewpoint to the left, the L1 button 53a and / or the L2 button 53b arranged on the left side may be operated, and when switching the viewpoint upward, the viewpoint is shifted upward. The L1 button 53a and / or the R1 button 54a arranged may be operated. For this reason, the direction in which the viewpoint is to be switched can be grasped sensuously, and the viewpoint can be easily switched even by a person who operates the operation device 16 for the first time or a user who plays a video game for the first time. When applied to a game or the like, it is possible to enjoy a game development that does not get bored. In addition, the user can enjoy a shooting game such as a tank game with better operability than ever before.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the L1 button 53a, the L2 button 53b, the R1 button 54a, and the R2 button 54b are arranged on the front surface of the operation device 16 at the left and right positions that can be pressed by the fingers of the user's left and right hands. Since the vertical, horizontal, and horizontal direction components corresponding to the vertical, horizontal, and horizontal positions of each button are assigned as output information corresponding to the above, the viewpoint switching direction on the screen 200 of the monitor 18, the position of the button to be operated, Correspond to each other, and the user can intuitively recognize in which direction the viewpoint is switched.

Therefore, even in a video game where it is difficult to recognize the sense of direction, such as a flight simulation, the viewpoint switching direction can be easily recognized, and even in a flight simulation that is generally difficult to operate, the user can Easy to enjoy, leading to the spread of various video games.

Next, the second viewpoint switching processing function and the second viewpoint switching processing function will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 18.

The viewpoint switching processing function and the viewpoint switching processing function according to the second specific example function the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b as direction direction buttons, and the switching device in FIG. Through 126, the A / D converter 114 is caused to function as means for outputting a multivalued digital signal Vd having a value of, for example, 0 to 255. That is, when the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b are pressed, the digital signal Vd corresponding to the pressing amount is output from the A / D conversion unit 114, and the value “0” is set when the pressing is not performed. Is output.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the second viewpoint switching processing function displays the background object and the target object (virtual missile launch base 208 and helicopter 212) displayed on the screen 200 of the monitor 18. The viewpoint of the user on the screen 200 is switched by moving the position.

In this case, the viewpoint switching direction A corresponding to the combination of the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b is determined as in the example shown in FIG. 14 (details will be described later).

For example, when the user simultaneously presses, for example, the L1 button 53a and the L2 button 53b from the state of FIG. 13A, the background object and the target object move in the direction of arrow A on the screen 200 as shown in FIG. 13B. . That is, the user's viewpoint is switched from the position shown in FIG. 13A to the position shown in FIG. 13B.

The L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b are assigned up, down, left, and right direction components according to their vertical and horizontal arrangement positions (see FIG. 1) in the operating device 16. That is, the output information from the operating device 16, that is, the output value (digital signal) Vd from the A / D converter 114 {for convenience, P (L1), P (L2), P (R1), P (R2 ). } Are assigned direction components corresponding to the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b, respectively.

Further, in the output information {output values P (L1), P (L2), P (R1), P (R2)} from the A / D conversion unit 114, the user has L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons 53a, The size component of 256 steps corresponding to the force which pushes 53b, 54a, 54b is included.

The viewpoint switching direction A is obtained by vector calculation based on the direction component and the magnitude component included in the output values P (L1), P (L2), P (R1), and P (R2). In this case, the switching direction A is obtained as a perpendicular upward direction on the screen 200 (angle θ with respect to the α direction in FIG. 14). That is, the L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b It functions as a button for instructing an arbitrary direction according to how it is pressed (combination or the magnitude of the pressing force).

For example, when the L1 button 53a and the L2 button 53b are pressed, the angle (switching angle) θ (A) that defines the switching direction A is obtained by the following equation (1).

θ (A) = θ (L2) + 90 ° x P (L1) / {P (L2) + P (L1)} (1)
Here, θ (L2) is an angle (for example, 225 °) from the direction α to the direction L2.

In other words, the above equation (1) is based on the ratio of the magnitudes of the output values P (L1) and P (L2). It is an arithmetic expression configured to determine the ratio in inverse proportion.

Similarly, when the L1 button 53a and the R1 button 54a are pressed simultaneously, the R1 button 54a and the R2 button 54b are pressed simultaneously, or the R2 button 54b and the L2 button 53b are pressed simultaneously, the switching angle θ (A) is calculated | required by the following (2) Formula-(4) Formula, respectively.

θ (A) = θ (L1) + 90 ° x P (R1) / {P (L1) + P (R1)} (2)
θ (A) = θ (R1) + 90 ° x P (R2) / {P (R1) + P (R2)} (3)
θ (A) = θ (R2) + 90 ° x P (L2) / {P (R2) + P (L2)} (4)
Here, θ (L1), θ (R1), and θ (R2) are angles from the direction α to the directions L1, R1, and R2, respectively (for example, 315 °, 45 °, and 135 °, respectively).

That is, the expression (2) is based on the ratio of the magnitudes of the output values P (L1) and P (R1), and the expression (3) is the magnitude of the output values P (R1) and P (R2). The above equation (4) is an arithmetic expression configured to obtain the switching angle θ (A) from the ratio of the magnitudes of the output values P (R2) and P (L2).

When any one of the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b is pressed alone, the switching direction A is set to the same direction as FIG.

Also, combinations other than the above-described combinations, ie, (L1 button 53a and L2 button 53b), (L1 button 53a and R1 button 54a), (R1 button 54a and R2 button 54b) and (R2 button 54b and L2 button 53b). When is selected, the viewpoint may not be switched.

Further, when the L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b are pressed simultaneously with a predetermined button (for example, the □ button 52d), the switching direction A is set to the same direction as FIG. It may be.

Further, the width for switching the viewpoint (which is a switching width at a predetermined time and may be referred to as switching speed) may be always constant, or the output values P (L1) and P (L2). , P (R1), and P (R2) may be obtained based on magnitude components.

For example, when the viewpoint switching speed is obtained based on the magnitude components of the output values P (L1), P (L2), P (R1), and P (R2), for example, the output value P (L1), When the magnitude components of P (L2), P (R1), and P (R2) are each greater than a predetermined threshold value, the switching speed is set to a predetermined high speed value, while when the magnitude component is smaller than the threshold value. The switching speed is set to a predetermined low speed value. The viewpoint switching speed may be changed in multiple steps.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the second aim switching processing function determines the position of the aim 206 for firing the virtual shell 204 and the like from the virtual tank 202 displayed on the screen 200. This aim 206 is switched by moving it.

The position of the aim 206 is switched to, for example, the upper right direction on the screen 200 as shown in FIG. 15B when the user presses the R1 button 54a and the R2 button 54b, for example, from the state of FIG. 15A. When the aim 206 is set to the target virtual missile launch base 208, the cannonball 204 is fired from the tank 202 to hit the missile launch base 208 and destroy the missile launch base 208. be able to.

In this case, the switching direction A of the aim 206 corresponding to the combination of the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b is the same as that in the second viewpoint switching processing function shown in FIG.

Next, software (second scene creation means 500) for realizing the above-described second viewpoint switching processing function and second aim switching processing function will be described with reference to FIG.

Similar to the first scene creation means 300 (see FIG. 10), the second scene creation means 500 is a random-accessible recording medium such as a CD-ROM or a memory card 14, or a network. It is provided to the entertainment system 10. Also in this case, the description will be made assuming that the entertainment apparatus 12 reads and operates from the optical disk 20 such as a CD-ROM.

The second scene creation means 500 is operated on the CPU 401 by being downloaded from a specific optical disc 20 previously played back by the entertainment device 12 to the RAM 402 of the entertainment device 12 through a predetermined process, for example (FIG. 4). reference).

The second scene creating means 500 includes a viewpoint switching processing means 504 and an aim switching processing means 506 as shown in FIG. The configurations of the aim / viewpoint selection unit 302 and the image display processing unit 308 are almost the same as the scene creation unit 300 of FIG.

The viewpoint switching processing unit 504 includes a viewpoint determining unit 512 that determines a direction in which the viewpoint should be switched, and a viewpoint display switching unit 314 that performs a viewpoint switching process according to the switching direction determined by the viewpoint determining unit 512. The configuration of the viewpoint display switching means 314 is almost the same as that of the first scene creation means 300 shown in FIG.

Whether the viewpoint discriminating means 512 should process the output from the A / D conversion unit 114 of FIG. 3 as a binary output (binary processing) or should process it as a multi-value output (multi-value processing). Binary / multi-value discriminating means 530 is determined.

Further, when the discrimination result by the binary / multi-value discrimination unit 530 is binary processing, the viewpoint discrimination unit 512 sets the viewpoint switching direction to the direction shown in FIG. 8 (up / down / left / right and a predetermined direction between them). ) Is set to the direction shown in FIG. 14 (switching direction A) when the determination result by the viewpoint switching direction determining unit 310 and the binary / multi-level determining unit 530 is multilevel processing. A viewpoint switching direction calculation means 532 for setting the viewpoint and a viewpoint switching width calculation means (movement speed calculation means) 534 for setting the viewpoint switching width (movement speed). The configuration of the viewpoint switching direction determination unit 310 is almost the same as that of the first scene creation unit 300 shown in FIG.

On the other hand, the aim switching processing means 506 includes an aim determining means 518 for determining the direction in which the aim should be switched, and an aim display switching means 320 for performing aim switching processing in accordance with the switching direction determined by the aim determining means 518. . The configuration of the aiming display switching means 320 is substantially the same as that of the first scene creation means 300 shown in FIG.

Whether the aim discrimination means 518 should process the output from the A / D converter 114 of FIG. 3 as a binary output (binary processing) or should process it as a multi-value output (multivalue processing). Binary / multi-value discriminating means 540 is determined.

Further, the aiming discrimination means 518 has an aiming switching direction judgment means 316 for setting the aiming switching direction to the direction shown in FIG. 8 when the discrimination result by the binary / multilevel discrimination means 540 is binary processing. When the determination result by the binary / multi-value determining means 540 is multi-value processing, the aim switching direction calculating means 542 for setting the aim switching direction to the direction shown in FIG. 14 and the aim for setting the aim switching width. Switching width calculation means 544. The configuration of the aim switching direction discriminating means 316 is almost the same as that of the first scene creating means 300 shown in FIG.

Next, the processing operation of the second scene creation means 500 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 17, the second scene creation means 500 first performs substantially the same processing as steps S11 and S12 of FIG. That is, in step S11 of FIG. 17, it is determined whether or not there is an operation input from the operation device 16, and in subsequent step S12, it is determined whether the operation input from the operation device 16 is a viewpoint switching instruction or an aim switching instruction. .

If it is determined in step S12 that the operation input is a viewpoint switching instruction, the process proceeds to step S31. On the other hand, if the operation input is determined to be an aim switching instruction, the process proceeds to step S33.

In step S31, the viewpoint switching direction instructed as an operation input to the controller device 16 is determined through the viewpoint determination means 512.

Specifically, first, in step S41 of FIG. 18, whether the binary processing should be performed on the output from the A / D conversion unit 114 of FIG. Determine if it should be processed.

For example, when any of the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b is pressed and the □ button 52d is simultaneously pressed, the binary processing is selected. On the other hand, if any of the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b is pressed and the □ button 52d is not pressed, the multi-value processing is selected.

In step S41, if multi-value processing is selected, the process proceeds to step S42. If binary processing is selected, the process proceeds to step S44.

In step S42, the viewpoint switching direction is set through the viewpoint switching direction calculation means 532.

In this case, the output values P (L1) and P (L2) in 256 stages from the A / D conversion unit 114 corresponding to the force pressed by the user with respect to the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b. , P (R1) and P (R2) are output.

Therefore, in the viewpoint switching direction calculation means 532, based on the direction component and the magnitude component included in the output values P (L1), P (L2), P (R1), and P (R2) described above, (1) By performing the calculation processing of the equations (4) to (4), the switching direction A is obtained as shown in FIG.

Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S43, where the viewpoint should be switched based on the magnitude components of the output values P (L1), P (L2), P (R1), and P (R2) through the viewpoint switching width calculator 534. (Movement speed) is set to a high speed value or a low speed value, for example. Specifically, whether the magnitude components of the output values P (L1), P (L2), P (R1), and P (R2) are larger than a predetermined threshold (that is, L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons) 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b is strongly pressed), the viewpoint switching speed is set to a high speed value or a low speed value.

Also, the viewpoint switching width may be changed based on whether a predetermined button (for example, the Δ button 52a) is pressed simultaneously with the L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b. Good.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S41 to step S44, in this step S44, the viewpoint switching direction instructed by the operation input from the operation device 16 is determined through the viewpoint switching direction determination means 310. In step S44, substantially the same processing as step S13 in FIG. 11 (that is, steps S21 to S29 in FIG. 12) is performed.

In this case, the width (movement speed) for switching the viewpoint may be a constant value, or the output values P (L1), P (L2), P (R1), and P (R2) as in step S43. On the basis of the magnitude component, the high speed value or the low speed value may be changed in two stages.

Next, the process proceeds to step S32 in FIG. 17, and the viewpoint is switched with the switching direction A and the width set in step S31 (steps S42 to S44 in FIG. 18) through the viewpoint display switching means 314 (see FIGS. 13A and 13B). ).

When it is determined in step S12 of FIG. 17 that the operation input is an aim switching instruction and the process proceeds to step S33, the aim switching direction A instructed as the operation input to the operation device 16 is determined through the aim determination means 518. Determined.

In step S33, substantially the same processing as in step S31 is performed. That is, first, in step S41 of FIG. 18, it is determined whether binary processing or multi-value processing should be performed on the output from the A / D conversion unit 114 through the binary / multi-value determination unit 540. . If multi-value processing is selected in step S41, the process proceeds to step S42. If binary processing is selected, the process proceeds to step S44.

In step S42, the aim switching direction A is set through the aim switching direction calculation means 542. Subsequently, the process proceeds to step S43, where the aiming switching width is set through the aiming switching width calculating means 544.

On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S41 to step S44, the aim switching direction instructed by the operation input from the operation device 16 is determined through the aim switching direction determining means 316 in step S44.

Next, the process proceeds to step S34 in FIG. 17, and the aim 206 is switched through the aim display switching means 320 with the switching direction A and the width set in step S33 (steps S42 to S44 in FIG. 18) (FIGS. 15A and 15B). reference).

Subsequent to step S32, S34, or S11 (when it is determined that there is no input from the operation device 16), processing substantially similar to step S17 of FIG. 11 is performed. That is, it is determined whether or not there is a program end request (game over, power off, etc.) to the second scene creation means 500.

If there is no program termination request, the process returns to step S11, and the processes of steps S11, S12, S31 to S34, and S17 are repeated. If it is determined in step S17 that there is a program termination request, the processing in the second scene creation means 500 is terminated.

Thus, in the second viewpoint switching processing function or the second aim switching processing function that operates in the entertainment system 10 according to the present embodiment, the L1 button 53a, the L2 button 53b, and the R1 button pressed by the user. The viewpoint and / or aim on the screen 200 is in an arbitrary direction corresponding to the pressing force of the user with respect to the combination of 54a and R2 button 54b, and the L1 button 53a and L2 button 53b and R1 button 54a and R2 button 54b It will be switched.

For this reason, for example, assuming that the viewpoint is switched to the left side, the left diagonally upper or diagonally lower left angle can be freely set in addition to the left by the magnitude component. That is, the viewpoint switching direction can be freely set, and smooth viewpoint switching can be realized.

Usually, it is conceivable to switch the viewpoint at a constant speed, but when you want to switch the viewpoint quickly, such as in shooting games and adventure games, a dilemma occurs, giving the user the impression that the operability is poor. There is a risk that.

However, in the present embodiment, since the viewpoint can be switched rapidly by changing the moving speed of the viewpoint and the aim based on the magnitude component, the shooting game or adventure game as described above In such cases, the user can be recognized that the operability is good, and can contribute to the spread of video games and the like.

In addition, the user can experience a battle with good operability and a motion that is close to reality, and can enjoy an unprecedented shooting game such as a tank game.

The program execution system, the program execution device, the recording medium, and the program according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. .

For example, in the above-described embodiment, the viewpoint or aim switching direction corresponding to the L1, L2, R1, R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, 54b is set based on the screen 200 of the monitor 18. You may make it set this switching direction arbitrarily. For example, when an object (such as a virtual fighter) operated by a user rotates with respect to a direction with reference to the screen 200, such as a flight simulation, the direction viewed from the fighter is used as a reference. In addition, the switching direction of the viewpoint or the aim may be set. That is, the reference direction for obtaining the switching direction of the viewpoint or aim is fixed to an object such as a fighter, and when the object rotates, the reference direction is moved in accordance with the movement of the object. In this case, even when the operation device 16 is tilted in accordance with the movement of the object, the arrangement positions of the L1, L2, R1, and R2 buttons 53a, 53b, 54a, and 54b correspond to the switching direction of the viewpoint or aim. Can be made.

It is a block diagram of the entertainment system which concerns on this Embodiment. It is sectional drawing with which it uses for description of operation | movement of a pressure sensitive element. It is a circuit block diagram with which operation | movement description of a controller is provided. It is a block diagram of an entertainment system. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a world coordinate and a camera coordinate. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between a camera coordinate and a screen coordinate. FIG. 7A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image before switching the viewpoint displayed on the monitor screen, and FIG. 7B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image after the viewpoint is switched. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the combination of the operation input with respect to L1 button, L2 button, R1 button, and R2 button, and the switching direction of a viewpoint or aim. FIG. 9A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image example before switching the aim displayed on the screen of the monitor, and FIG. 9B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example image after the aim is switched. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a 1st scene creation means. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of a 1st scene creation means. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of the viewpoint switching direction discrimination | determination means or aim switching direction discrimination | determination means of a 1st scene creation means. FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image before switching the viewpoint displayed on the monitor screen, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an image after the viewpoint is switched. It is explanatory drawing which shows the relationship between the combination of the operation input with respect to L1 button, L2 button, R1 button, and R2 button, and the switching direction of a viewpoint or aim. FIG. 15A is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image example before switching the aim displayed on the screen of the monitor, and FIG. 15B is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example image after the aim is switched. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a 2nd scene creation means. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of a 2nd scene creation means. It is a flowchart which shows the processing operation of the viewpoint switching width calculating means or aim switching width calculating means of the second scene creating means.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Entertainment system 12 ... Entertainment apparatus 16 ... Operating device (controller) 18 ... Monitor (display)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 ... Optical disk 53a ... L1 button 53b ... L2 button 54a ... R1 button 54b ... R2 button 300 ... First scene creation means 302 ... Aim / viewpoint selection means 304 ... Viewpoint switching processing means 306 ... Aiming switching processing means 308 ... Image display Processing means 310 ... Viewpoint switching direction determining means 312 ... Viewpoint determining means 314 ... Viewpoint display switching means 316 ... Aiming switching direction determining means 318 ... Aiming determining means 320 ... Aiming display switching means 500 ... Second scene creating means 504 ... Viewpoint switching Processing means 506... Aim switching processing means 512... View discrimination means 518... Aim discrimination means 530. 542 ... Aim switching direction calculation means 5 4 ... aiming switching 換幅 arithmetic means

Claims (34)

A program execution device for executing various programs;
At least one operation device for causing the program execution device to input an operation request by a user as an operation instruction;
In a program execution system having a display device for displaying an image output from the program execution device,
A combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user for the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons provided in the operation device. Based on the determination means for determining the switching direction of the viewpoint in the display device,
A program execution system comprising display switching means for switching the viewpoint in the switching direction determined by the determination means. The program execution system according to claim 1,
The output information is data including ON / OFF components of the buttons, and directional components corresponding to the buttons are assigned.
The program execution system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit includes a switching direction determination unit that determines the switching direction according to a combination of the components. The program execution system according to claim 1,
The output information is data in which a size component corresponding to a force with which the user presses each button is included, and a direction component corresponding to each button is assigned,
The program execution system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit includes a switching direction calculation unit that calculates the switching direction by a vector calculation based on the direction component and the magnitude component. The program execution system according to claim 3, wherein
The program execution system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit includes a movement speed calculation unit that calculates a movement speed of the viewpoint based on the magnitude component. In the program execution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Each of the buttons is provided on a front surface of the operation device. In the program execution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The buttons are arranged at left and right positions that can be pressed by fingers of the user's left and right hands, respectively, on the front portion of the operating device
Left and right direction components according to the left and right arrangement positions of the buttons are assigned to the output information corresponding to the buttons,
The program execution system characterized in that the determination means obtains the switching direction based on the left and right direction components. In the program execution system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Each of the buttons is arranged in two so as to be arranged up and down at left and right positions that can be pressed by fingers of the left and right hands of the user in the front part of the operation device,
The output information corresponding to each button is assigned up, down, left and right direction components according to the up, down, left and right arrangement positions of each button,
The program execution system characterized in that the determination means obtains the switching direction based on the up / down / left / right direction components. A program execution device for executing various programs;
At least one operation device for causing the program execution device to input an operation request by a user as an operation instruction;
In a program execution system having a display device for displaying an image output from the program execution device,
A combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user for the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons provided in the operation device. Based on the determination means for determining the switching direction of the virtual aim in the display device,
A program execution system comprising: display switching means for switching the virtual aim in the switching direction determined by the determination means. The program execution system according to claim 8, wherein
The output information is data including ON / OFF components of the buttons, and directional components corresponding to the buttons are assigned.
The program execution system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit includes a switching direction determination unit that determines the switching direction according to a combination of the components. The program execution system according to claim 8, wherein
The output information is data in which a size component corresponding to a force with which the user presses each button is included, and a direction component corresponding to each button is assigned,
The program execution system characterized in that the determination means includes a switching direction calculation means for calculating the switching direction by a vector calculation based on the direction component and the magnitude component. The program execution system according to claim 10, wherein
The program execution system according to claim 1, wherein the determination unit includes a movement speed calculation unit that calculates a movement speed of the virtual aim based on the magnitude component. The program execution system according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
Each of the buttons is provided on a front surface of the operation device. The program execution system according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
The buttons are arranged at left and right positions that can be pressed by fingers of the user's left and right hands, respectively, on the front portion of the operating device.
Left and right direction components according to the left and right arrangement positions of the buttons are assigned to the output information corresponding to the buttons,
The program execution system characterized in that the determination means obtains the switching direction based on the left and right direction components. The program execution system according to any one of claims 8 to 11,
Each of the buttons is arranged in two so as to be arranged up and down at left and right positions that can be pressed by fingers of the left and right hands of the user in the front part of the operation device,
The output information corresponding to each button is assigned up, down, left and right direction components according to the up, down, left and right arrangement positions of each button,
The program execution system characterized in that the determination means obtains the switching direction based on the up / down / left / right direction components. In a program execution device in which an operation device that outputs at least an operation request by a user as an operation instruction and a display device for displaying an image can be connected,
A combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user for the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons provided in the operation device. Based on the determination means for determining the switching direction of the viewpoint in the display device,
And a display switching unit that switches the viewpoint in the switching direction determined by the determination unit. In a program execution device in which an operation device that outputs at least an operation request by a user as an operation instruction and a display device for displaying an image can be connected,
A combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user for the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons provided in the operation device. Based on the determination means for determining the switching direction of the virtual aim in the display device,
And a display switching means for switching the virtual aim in the switching direction determined by the determination means. A program execution device for executing various programs;
At least one operation device for causing the program execution device to input an operation request by a user as an operation instruction;
In a recording medium on which a program and data used in a program execution system having a display device that displays an image output from the program execution device is recorded,
The program is
A combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user for the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons provided in the operation device. A determination step of determining a viewpoint switching direction in the display device,
And a display switching step of switching the viewpoint in the switching direction determined in the determination step. The recording medium according to claim 17,
The output information is data including ON / OFF components of the buttons, and directional components corresponding to the buttons are assigned.
The recording medium includes a switching direction determining step of determining the switching direction according to a combination of the components. The recording medium according to claim 17,
The output information is data in which a size component corresponding to a force with which the user presses each button is included, and a direction component corresponding to each button is assigned,
The discriminating step includes a switching direction calculation step of calculating the switching direction by a vector calculation based on the direction component and the magnitude component. The recording medium according to claim 19,
The discriminating step includes a moving speed calculating step for obtaining a moving speed of the viewpoint based on the magnitude component. The recording medium according to any one of claims 17 to 20,
A recording medium in which a button provided on a front portion of the operating device is caused to function as the direction indicating button. The recording medium according to any one of claims 17 to 20,
The buttons are arranged at left and right positions in the front portion of the operating device that can be pressed by fingers of the user's left and right hands, and the output information corresponding to the buttons includes the buttons The left and right direction components according to the left and right placement positions are assigned,
In the determination step, the switching direction is obtained based on the left and right direction components. The recording medium according to any one of claims 17 to 20,
Each of the buttons is arranged in two so as to be vertically arranged at left and right positions that can be pressed by fingers of the user's left and right hands on the front portion of the operation device, and The corresponding output information is assigned up, down, left and right direction components according to the up, down, left and right arrangement positions of the buttons,
In the determination step, the switching direction is obtained based on the up / down / left / right direction components. A program execution device for executing various programs;
At least one operation device for causing the program execution device to input an operation request by a user as an operation instruction;
In a recording medium on which a program and data used in a program execution system having a display device that displays an image output from the program execution device is recorded,
The program is
A combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user for the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons provided in the operation device. A determination step of determining a switching direction of the virtual aim in the display device,
And a display switching step of switching the virtual aim in the switching direction determined in the determination step. The recording medium according to claim 24, wherein
The output information is data including ON / OFF components of the buttons, and directional components corresponding to the buttons are assigned.
The recording medium includes a switching direction determining step of determining the switching direction according to a combination of the components. The recording medium according to claim 24, wherein
The output information is data in which a size component corresponding to a force with which the user presses each button is included, and a direction component corresponding to each button is assigned,
The discriminating step includes a switching direction calculation step of calculating the switching direction by a vector calculation based on the direction component and the magnitude component. The recording medium according to claim 26,
The discriminating step includes a moving speed calculating step for obtaining a moving speed of the aim based on the magnitude component. The recording medium according to any one of claims 24 to 27,
A recording medium in which a button provided on a front portion of the operating device is caused to function as the direction indicating button. The recording medium according to any one of claims 24 to 27,
The buttons are arranged at left and right positions in the front portion of the operating device that can be pressed by fingers of the user's left and right hands, and the output information corresponding to the buttons includes the buttons The left and right direction components according to the left and right placement positions are assigned,
In the determination step, the switching direction is obtained based on the left and right direction components. The recording medium according to any one of claims 24 to 27,
Each of the buttons is arranged in two so as to be vertically arranged at left and right positions that can be pressed by fingers of the user's left and right hands on the front portion of the operation device, and The corresponding output information is assigned up, down, left and right direction components according to the up, down, left and right arrangement positions of the buttons,
In the determination step, the switching direction is obtained based on the up / down / left / right direction components. A program execution device for executing various programs;
At least one operation device for inputting an operation request by a user to the program execution device;
In a program used in a program execution system having a display device that displays an image output from the program execution device,
A combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user for the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons provided in the operation device. A determination step of determining a viewpoint switching direction in the display device,
A display switching step of switching the viewpoint in the switching direction determined in the determination step. A program execution device for executing various programs;
At least one operation device for causing the program execution device to input an operation request by a user as an operation instruction;
In a program used in a program execution system having a display device that displays an image output from the program execution device,
A combination of output information output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user for the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons provided in the operation device. A determination step of determining a switching direction of the aim in the display device,
A display switching step of switching the aiming in the switching direction determined in the determination step. In the method of switching the viewpoint on the display device in response to a user operation request input to the operation device,
Each of the buttons output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user to the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons provided on the operation device. Capturing output information including a direction component corresponding to the arrangement position;
A determination step of determining a switching direction of the viewpoint in the display device based on the combination of the directional components,
A method for switching a viewpoint, comprising: a display switching step for switching the viewpoint in the switching direction determined in the determination step. In the method of switching the aim on the display device in response to a user operation request input to the operation device,
Each of the buttons output from the operation device in response to an operation instruction from the user to the first and second left direction instruction buttons and the first and second right direction instruction buttons provided on the operation device. Capturing output information including a direction component corresponding to the arrangement position;
A determination step of determining a switching direction of a virtual aim in the display device based on a combination of the direction components;
A method of switching aiming, comprising: a display switching step of switching the aiming in the switching direction determined in the determination step.

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